Jordan Asks About Flying over Israel

Israeli Transportation Minister Yisrael Kessar reported Tuesday that he had received an indirect inquiry from Jordan about possible future permission for its planes to fly over Israeli air space.

The inquiry was passed along via French airline authorities.

Jordanian officials asked if Israel would be interested in cooperating with Jordan and its Alia Royal Airline in allowing such flights, which would cut travel time to Europe.

Word has it that the Jordanians would also be interested in establishing a regional charter service linking Amman, Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion Airport and the ancient Jordanian city of Petra to encourage regional and international tourism.

Kessar is reported to have instructed El Al, Israel’s international carrier, and Arkia, its domestic subsidiary, to study such regional air links.